What’s In My Camera Bag? essentials you shouldn’t leave without

As a still growing photographer, {yes, I know we grow our entire career. I’m just having a growth spurt.} I still get nervous before I have a session. I worry that I don’t have everything, that my battery is going to die, and I double, sometimes triple check the time and place we are meeting. I like to have my bag packed in advance so I can relax just a little bit, so here’s what I like to keep in my camera bag at all times.

1. Nikon d3100

This is my baby. I wouldn’t have a camera bag without it! If you are looking into getting an entry level dSLR, this one is amazing. i’ve just about grown out of it-I’m upgrading to a d610 soon, but this one works beautifully for a beginner of someone who doesn’t want to have a job in photography. On my camera in this photo, and the majority of the time, is my 50mm lens. THIS LENS IS THE BEST. Get one. I know they can get pricey, but it is so worth it.

2. Diana Mini

This is my tomography film camera that I honestly don’t use that often, but it’s photos are so cool when I actually develop them. I just keep this guy in my camera bag for when I get inspired to shoot on film.

3. Quarter

Yes. I keep a quarter in my camera bag. Know why? Quarters are the perfect size object to tighten the camera plate that you use on tripods. I can never seem to get them tight enough bare handed, so I keep a coin in my bag for instances when I need a really steady shot on a tripod.

4. Extra SD Cards

Because you can never have too many. These are 16gb class 10 cards that I got from Costco for a really great price. I always have at least 2 SD cards on me when I have my camera because you never know when one might get full or stop working.

5. Fujifilm Instax Film

An extra pack for when I run out of film for my Instax camera. Always good to have on hand.

6. Fujifilm Instax Mini

My other baby. As far as film cameras go, this one is currently my favorite. That being said, I don’t have much experience with film. I always find myself picking this one up for quick shots though, and I can’t wait to use it in Europe next fall.

7. Battery Charger

This is mainly in my bag so I always know where it is, but it’s also just in case I’m somewhere before a shoot where I can plug in a dead battery. {let’s hope that never happens!}

8. 55-200mm lens

This lens was my go to for portraits before I got my 50mm that lives on my camera body 24/7 now. It’s great to zoom and has a low aperture that can help get amazing background blur.

9. 18-55mm lens

Just your average kit lens. I pick this one up if I need to take video, but otherwise it stays nestled in my camera bag.

10. Vivitar Speedlight

This is an on and off camera flash unit that does wonders in filling out shadows. I love it so much. Even though the majority of my photos are natural light portraits, this is still good to have on hand in dire situations.

11. External Hard Drives

I keep my photos on these after I get them off of my camera, so these travel around with me in case I need to dump a session on one before taking another. I also have access to basically every photo I’ve ever taken on these, so they are great to have around.

What other essentials do you keep in your camera bag?

xoxo,

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Comments

Hi Haley! I’m connecting for HCBN. Love this post! I’m slowly learning how to use my DSLR. I have a Nikon 5300 and am constantly lusting over photos with heavily blurred backgrounds for my travel shots. Do you think the 55-200mm lens is my best bet? Also, do you have any posts that explain how to get these effects?

Hi Jenna! I’m so glad we’ve connected! I do have a post that explains this a little bit, but I’m doing another one in a week or so. What kind of photos would you mainly be taking? Photos of people and food or architecture? Here is the link to the article to hopefully get you started! http://www.honestlyhaley.com/aperture-basics-7-things-to-know/